Buzz
If you land with your heel first when running, you're known as a heel striker. While many say this is a bad habit, don't rush to alter your running technique just yet.
Although we tend to switch to a forefoot (tiptoe) or midfoot strike when sprinting, many long-distance runners naturally settle into a heel strike. While research suggests that midfoot runners tend to experience fewer injuries, Dr. Thomas Michaud at Competitor notes that those in the study who used midfoot strikes were individuals who naturally preferred this style. If you are a heel striker, trying to force a midfoot strike might not be the solution.
Each foot strike type carries its own advantages and drawbacks. Michaud elaborates:
Midfoot strikes reduce stress on the knee, making them a good option for runners who frequently experience knee pain, especially for those running fast with wide forefeet and flexible Achilles tendons. On the other hand, runners with past injuries to the Achilles, forefoot, or plantar fascia are often better off making initial contact with the outside of the heel. Despite what many experts suggest, heel-first contact is not only safe, but also efficient for the ninety-five percent of runners who naturally adopt this pattern.
For more insights on foot strike patterns and the advantages and disadvantages of each type, check out the full article at Competitor.
Image by Chris Hunkeler.
